Q & A with Dr. Robert Foster: Inspiring the next generation of pharmacists

Robert Thomas Foster, ’79 BSc, ’82 BSc(Pharm), ’85 PharmD, ’88 PhD, Distinguished Alumni Award winner 2022

Robert Foster had completed his undergraduate science degree at the University of Alberta and knew one thing for sure — he loved organic chemistry. Having watched maybe one too many detective TV shows, Foster was leaning towards becoming a toxicologist — where he imagined himself coming in, cracking the case and saving the day.

But not knowing for sure what toxicology was, Foster was looking for answers. One day in 1979, while strolling through the halls of the old Dentistry-Pharmacy Building, he found himself drawn to an open office door. Little did he know he was about to meet Antoine Noujaim - well-known academic leader and researcher in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the founder of Biomira, a Canadian biotechnology company. This chance encounter would begin his journey into pharmacy. 

“I asked him if he knew anything about toxicology,” recalls Foster with a laugh. “He said he knew a little.” 

Noujaim told Foster that if he wanted to become a toxicologist, he would be well advised to get a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy first. Leaving his office, Foster walked up three flights of stairs in the old Pharmacy building and submitted his application into the pharmacy program that same day. “My entire goal when I entered Pharmacy was to become a toxicologist. But the more I learned about pharmacokinetics, the more I found it unbelievably intriguing,” says Foster, who went on to complete the Pharm D program and his PhD. “Later, I joined the Faculty as a professor, developed a research program, and became a consultant to the Pharma industry. Increasingly, however, I wanted to apply my knowledge and experience to drug discovery and development.”

Today, thanks to his discovery of a drug molecule that became the first oral treatment for lupus-related kidney diseases, he’s accelerating therapies for chronic liver disease, hepatitis, cancer and other liver conditions. 

Throughout his career, Foster has maintained strong ties with the U of A, where he remains an adjunct professor for pharmacy, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of scientists.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Foster as he reflects back on his days at the U of A and as the community prepares to celebrate his Distinguished Alumni Award. 

What does this award mean to you?

I feel like I have just been doing my job by changing the way certain diseases are treated, developed and approved for treatment. And, along the way, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working with amazing people that shared a vision of creating therapeutic drugs. In my view, the U of A is one of the best universities and provided us with the tools needed to do what we set out to do; to create novel drugs. To be recognized by an institution of this calibre in pharmaceuticals and drug development is humbling. I often come across award winning people from the U of A in my travels whom I respect very much. To be selected for this Alumni Award somehow feels as though I won the academic lottery. 

How are pharmacists of today transforming health care?

Pharmacy used to be much more technical in nature. Today, pharmacists are looking at a much broader picture that includes personalized medicine and decision-making on a level that did not exist years ago. Oftentimes, pharmacists function to prescribe new medications, lab tests and are intimately involved in follow-up care. There seems to be a much more holistic and advanced approach to the practice now. 

A pharmacist's function is really quite impressive. Perhaps this is where Alberta has an advantage over other geographies and other times, with such a broad scope of practice. 

What does the future pharmacist look like?

In some respects, the future is here. Pharmacists have already taken on enhanced roles in our health-care system. This role will continue to expand as healthcare evolves. We are now getting into almost a Star Trek world that we used to only imagine. We are now able to offer gene therapy and the world of bioinformatics is expanding. Let’s keep in mind that pharmacists are often the first point of contact in the community, allowing for delivery of improved quality care. 

What’s your favourite memory from the U of A?

Developing lifelong friendships. University gave me a much expanded family. The friendships I formed over the years have become my family. Even today I work with one individual I met back in 1976. We’ve been working together for 30-plus years and many of my work colleagues have become close friends; something akin to siblings. 

But the biggest event that happened while I attended the U of A was the encounter I had where I met my wife. Caroline was enrolled in the nursing program (BScN, 1982) at the time, 40 years ago. My daughter Erin (PharmD ‘21, Pharm ‘13, BSc ‘09) is also an alumna of the U of A. Our family roots with the university are strong. 

What makes you feel proud about being an alumnus of the faculty?

Two things make me feel proud — the level of training and the world calibre education we received. As students, we graduated from our programs well-trained in a highly competitive world. In my biotechnology life, I’ve realized that U of A grads can definitely hold their own. As graduates, we don’t have to compare ourselves to other people from other institutions. To be attached to the U of A garners a lot of respect and prestige.

What advice would you give current and future students?

Opportunity is constantly knocking; you just need to know which door to open. You need to consider all your options. You may enter the university with an idea for a chosen career path, only to realize that there are other opportunities that may be a better fit. Keep your eyes open, as other options are sure to appear.

When you are beginning your academic journey, you may not have a lot of experience yet, but when you come out of the program, your whole view of where you might end up could be different.

In my wildest dreams I could not have imagined I would wind up where I am today. I didn’t even know there was a pathway that could lead to drug discovery and development when I first entered university. And, I had no idea that the world of bioinformatics could be so amazing.